Description: The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Z-18 is a medium-weight helicopter derived from the state-of-the-art AC-313 VIP transport helicopter and developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) and Avicopter. It is powered by three WZ-6 turboshaft engines and the airframe is made of composite materials and titanium. The Z-18 rotorcraft maximum takeoff weight is 13.8 tons and features integrated avionics as well as the non-retractable landing gear from the Super Frelon helicopter family. The Z-18A is a military transport variant fitted with terrain avoidance radar and an electro-optical turret. It is intended to carry troops and material on behalf of the PLA as well as to conduct search and rescue missions flying at low altitude. The Z-18A can airlift the 4-ton AH-4 155mm lightweight towed howitzer. The PLA started testing the Z-18A helicopter in December 2014 as the replacement for the Z-8A aircraft.